Christian Horner claims he pursued Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc for Red Bull’s 2025 line-up, only to be blocked internally. The revelations appear in his forthcoming book, Drive.

The push follows Sergio Perez’s late‑2024 slump after contributing to a historic 1‑2 in the drivers’ standings. Horner seeks a Verstappen-level teammate to protect Red Bull’s competitive margin.

Alonso features first on Horner’s list. During the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, Alonso signals clear interest in partnering Verstappen while still at Aston Martin.

Helmut Marko then informs Horner that Alonso is off the table, citing resistance from Verstappen’s camp. Horner stresses this does not originate from Verstappen directly.

With Alonso blocked, Horner targets Leclerc. He values Leclerc’s speed, qualifying edge, and restraint amid Ferrari frustrations. The answer is again a firm no from Marko.

Elite options closed, Red Bull elevates Liam Lawson despite only eleven grands prix. Horner admits unease, aware of the demands alongside an entrenched benchmark like Verstappen.

Lawson soon returns to the junior squad. Horner reflects that the move came too early and ultimately undermines the young driver’s trajectory.

Horner also meets Carlos Sainz shortly before his departure, exploring a 2026 switch. Discussions do not advance before Horner’s exit from Red Bull Racing.

The account underscores that Horner lacks final say on driver selection. Influence flows through Red Bull’s wider power structure, including Marko and Verstappen’s orbit, echoing debates about Red Bull’s identity and leadership decisions and a recent management deal.

Strategically, pairing Verstappen with Alonso or Leclerc offers headline pace and title resilience but risks intra‑team friction. Red Bull’s recent dominance favors stability and minimal disruption.

Red Bull therefore continues a Verstappen‑centric model, leaning on internal talent pathways. Horner’s perspective highlights missed opportunities, though others inside Red Bull may contest his interpretation.

The 2026 reset and shifting driver market keep scenarios fluid. Sainz and other contenders stay relevant as teams position for new regulations and engine frameworks.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.